Sr. Quality Systems Manager

fairlife•Chicago, IL

About The Position

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based nutrition company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and dairy products to nourish consumers. With over $3B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk ; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™ , a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health. A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation. To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com . job purpose : The Sr. Quality Systems Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of the fairlife integrated management systems. Developing the ISO certification program and maintaining Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification program for all manufacturing sites as well as coordination of certification audits. QSM will function as enterprise quality and food safety representative to ensure compliance within existing programs and proper execution of plant expansion, new equipment installation/upgrade, and new process implementation in accordance with food safety corporate standards, HACCP/FSMA principles, and all federal, state and local regulations in support of creating and maintaining a positive food safety and quality manufacturing culture and environment. QSM will deliver audit competencies to ensure the system and sites are operating as designed and performance is monitored. Develop and implement strategies and programs to mitigate food safety risks across the fairlife network; this includes ensuring that customer requirements and regulatory changes are appropriately reflected in these programs to strengthen compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science, Microbiology or closely related field required
At least 8 years of experience in food manufacturing and quality assurance
Certified or actively working to achieve certification in: HACCP, PCQI, Lead Auditor, and Better Process Control School
Strong working knowledge of Quality Assurance and Food Safety principles
Previous experience in developing policy standards and implementing HACCP, GFSI (FSSC 22000) and Integrated Management Systems (ISO) in support of plant certifications including Kosher, & Halal as required.
Strong auditing/assessment/analytical skills
Ability to gain understanding and assess compliance with KORE (Coca-Cola Requirements)
Ability to interact effectively with third party and internal auditors
Ability to influence management & enable the activities of employee teams
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong computer and document management skills
Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

Responsibilities

Integrated Management Systems (IMS): Lead the development, standardization, and integration of approved Quality and Food Safety Management Systems across all fairlife™ manufacturing and future operation sites to protect the brand and drive continuous improvement, including enterprise GFSI implementation and sustainment.
Quality Governance & Document Control: Own enterprise quality governance and the QMS Document Control Program, ensuring standardization of controlled documents, authoring and updating policies, and managing archival of obsolete or redundant documentation.
Certification Leadership: Serve as primary liaison with certification bodies and lead the attainment and maintenance of required certifications, including GFSI, ISO, Kosher, and Halal, aligned with business and quality strategy.
Audit & Management Review Programs: Provide strategic leadership for enterprise audit programs, including development, standardization, scheduling, and integration of internal audits and management reviews to ensure compliance, change management, and performance improvement.
Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA): Lead quality escalation and continuous improvement activities, including deviation management, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action implementation, and certification‑related CAPA closure and effectiveness verification.
Risk Management: Proactively assess quality and supply chain risks, identify potential disruptions or compliance gaps, and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard product integrity and business continuity.
Training & Competency: Establish competency requirements and provide training and technical support to ensure consistent execution of quality systems, standards, and food safety programs across all sites.
Safety & Sustainability: Support and advance organizational commitments to safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices, contributing to long‑term operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!
Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)
Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance
Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)
Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support
401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match
Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)
Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)
Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential
Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups